Slazenger
vs.
Rotherham
All Fixtures
Squad
Match Report
Devs Match Report: Rotherham vs Slazengers – Final Game of the Season
The final match of the season delivered absolutely everything: goals, injuries, near misses, and a huge emotional milestone as Adelaide, Ruth, and Issy stepped onto the pitch for their last junior game before moving up to senior hockey. Cerys was deservedly named Player of the Match for the final Devs game of the year, capping off an excellent performance.
First Half
Slazengers came out firing. Within the first 30 seconds, Georgie took a blow to the head but shook it off with real grit. The early pressure paid off almost immediately: in the 2nd minute, Addy threaded a clever assist to Alastair, who buried the ball into the back corner for a brilliant opener.
At 8 minutes, Cerys carved through the midfield and slipped the ball into Ruth and Noah, but despite the promising build-up, the chance just wouldn’t convert. Slaz dominated possession, keeping Rotherham pinned back for long spells.
But Rotherham are nothing if not opportunistic. A sudden break forced Katie and Georgie into defensive action. A short corner at 14 minutes led to a nasty knock for Katie, who had to leave the pitch. The rest of the half became a frantic, end-to-end battle with both sides desperate to score. Katie returned at the 30-minute mark, giving the team a much-needed boost heading into halftime.
Second Half
Rotherham struck early, equalising within the first five minutes. Moments later, they earned another short corner but couldn’t convert. Their momentum continued, though, and a strong run saw them take a 2–1 lead.
The game descended into full-on carnage: Noah took a painful hit to the foot, and a Rotherham player had to be carried off with a knee injury. Slazengers kept pushing, dribbling the ball right across the goal line at one point, agonisingly refusing to go in.
A short corner for Slaz offered hope, but again the finish just wasn’t there. Then Issy unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the D — on target, but without a touch inside the circle, it couldn’t count.
Rotherham threatened again, but Nikolai produced a calm, confident save to keep Slaz in it.
Final Minutes
The last five minutes were played almost entirely in Rotherham’s D, with every Slaz player pushing forward in search of the equaliser. But a late Rotherham break forced the defence to scramble. Nikolai made two superb saves, but on the third attempt — with just 30 seconds left — Rotherham found the net, sealing a 3–1 finish.
Final Thoughts
Despite the scoreline, it was a thrilling, hard-fought match full of heart, determination, and moments of real quality. A fantastic game to watch — and a memorable send-off for Adelaide, Ruth, and Issy as they step up to senior hockey.
Match Report
The Slazenger Development team were ready for action… the weather, less so. Sideways rain, diagonal rain, possibly even upwards rain — we had it all. Rotherham were delayed on the M1 thanks to a nasty accident, so the start time was pushed back. Slaz used this bonus time wisely: to try out for synchronised soaking!
But once things finally kicked off, Nikolai had such a quiet first half he achieved a level of calm usually reserved for yoga retreats, all thanks to the unstoppable defensive partnership of Tony the Wise and Ella the Tiny-but-Fearless. Together they turned the Slaz defensive 25 into a “No Entry” zone. Katie and Ollie guarded the flanks like absolute pros, sliding in with tackles that said: “Not today, thanks.”
In midfield, the iconic mum–son duo Gemma and Noah linked up beautifully, assisted by wing wizards Izzy and Amelia. Noah topped it off with some lovely goals — proving that family chemistry does, indeed, show up on the scoresheet.
Up front, Ruth and Cerys worked their socks off, with Ruth sticking away a tidy goal of her own. While Rotherham were still waiting on players, Jude and Alistair jumped in to help them out, wearing blue temporarily and showing great sportsmanship. They gave the Slaz team a proper challenge and kept the game competitive and fun. Once the rest of the Rotherham players arrived, they switched back to Slaz green and immediately made things lively — Alistair flying down the right wing, Jude slotting into defence and putting in some beautifully timed tackles. Second-half Nikolai returned to his usual dramatic style, making key saves and keeping a well-earned clean sheet.
Player of the Match: Ella, for playing with such maturity, she commanded the defence like a tiny general directing troops — only with better footwork and significantly less shouting. With no Adelaide to take her weekly accolade…
Donut of the Day: Amelia, for continuing her unofficial tour of South Yorkshire hockey teams, and deciding Val’s teas were so good she needed *two teas*. Frankly… understandable.
Special Mention: Alys, who bravely took on her first ever umpiring duty in conditions that could only be described as “biblical.” She swapped her stick for a whistle - well done, kiddo!
Squad
Match Report
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Rotherham – home of flat caps, steel, and a good old Yorkshire welcome!
It was a big night for young George H, making his debut in goal. First game for the Devs and he looked more confident than Brian Potter ordering a Bacardi Breezer. And he didn’t disappoint – cracking clearances, fearless saves, and plenty of “calm down” hand gestures when the defence got lively. Early doors, Adelaide slid a beauty through to Matthew. Keeper saved it, but Matthew – like a dog on chips – fought for it back and tucked it away on the reverse. One–nil! The crowd went wild (well, Noah’s mum definitely did).
The back line of Matilda, Katie Amelia and John were like Phoenix Club bouncers – nobody’s getting through without a membership card. In midfield, Alan, Adelaide, Izzy and Noah ran like they’d been powered by garlic bread – never stopped. When Jess came on, she covered more ground than a Peter Kay tour, playing the whole left… and right… and probably the car park if needed.
Up top, Ruth, Georgie, Cerys and Matthew gave the Rotherham defence nightmares, taking on their senior players with the confidence of Ray Von on the decks. Half time team talk? Inspirational. Captain Ruth rallied the troops, and George H gave his “view from the back” – mainly that Rotherham were piling the pressure on, but Slaz had the grit to hold firm.
Second half – chaos. Rotherham pressed, and pressed again. Short corner after short corner, and the Slaz wall held strong. George H made top–drawer saves. The defence threw themselves about like they were auditioning for Phoenix Nights’ “Stars in Their Eyes” special. Finally, Rotherham bundled one in to equalise. But not before Slaz showed grit, fight and a fair bit of comedy timing.
Player of the Match: A three-way tie: Katie for solid defending, Adelaide for creativity, and Jess for sheer hard graft.
Donut of the Day: John – because every good story needs a fall guy.
Final score: 1–1. Final verdict: Rotherham might have got the draw, but Slaz definitely got the garlic bread.
Teas 6/10 - Chip butties
Squad
Match Report
No match report available.
Match Report
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Match Report
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Squad
Match Report
The Development team made it two wins out of two this season, with another battling team performance.
Playing with some older juniors and a number of strong adults, Rotherham started the game very well, with the first quarter played mostly in Slaz’s half. However, Slaz absorbed the pressure with strong defence from Harry Firth, George Garside and Richard Coughtrey repelling the attack. As the half wore on, Slaz grew in confidence, producing some effective counter attacks through the midfield of Aidy Buckley, Owen Coughtrey, Amelia Sykes, and Ben Satterthwaite. This created several scoring chances for Ollie Tuddenham, Lucas Thickett and Beth Buckley and it was Slaz who grabbed the lead towards the end of the half, with a tenacious run into the Rotherham D from Edie Satterthwaite before passing to Declan Buxton who put the ball neatly passed the keeper.
The second half was played end to end, with several scoring chances for both teams, however, the Slaz defence remained strong to deny Rotherham the equalizer. This was another gutsy team performance, and another well-earned win for the green army.
Match Report
No match report available.
Squad
Match Report
No match report available.
Match Report
A very young development team travelled to Rotherham. Early pressure from a quality adult on the Rotherham side saw Slazenger struggle to clear their lines and the first goal was scored.
Slazenger got back into the game after 15 mins and had some good attacking opportunities but couldn\\\'t find the net. Great determination by the young Slazenger team in particular Alex Stacey, Will Gascoigne (joint man of the match) and Edward Kendall saw Slazenger hold their own for a period of time.
Aidan Coughtrey (joint man of the match) was superb in goal and kept the score down. In the end a tiring young Slazengers team who gave everything were undine by two more goals from a much more experienced and older team. Great team effort by all!
Match Report
Rotherham piled the pressure on Slaz for the first 10 minutes, with Dene Minchella and Paul Chilton having to work hard as the ball repeatedly came back at the D, the pressure finally resulting in a well taken goal. This gave Slaz their wake up call they needed and they started to protect the ball and playing their slick passing game, keeping the game even to half time with no further score. (HT 1-0)
Slaz upped the tempo at the start of the second half with pressure that resulted in in penalty corner. Slaz had worked on some routines and it was a move straight from the practice ground that saw Eddie Kendall score his first ever senior goal. The game continued as an even, end-to-end tussle and finished 1-1, a fair result. Eddie Kendall, Tom Hyde and Alex Stacey shone but Luke Minchella was Man of the Match for his tireless work and good skills.
Match Report
Slaz started the match (and the New Year) brightly. The team was a balance of (very) young and some old, wise heads with the young ones hitting Rotherham hard and early, only for the old ones to let them down! Goals from Will Gascoigne and youngest player Luke Minchella got Slaz to half time 2-1 up.
The second half saw Slazengers press hard, Joe Minchella unlucky with many chances but finally getting the assist for Davy Ramsdale to extend his lead as the sides top scorer. Final score 3-1 to Slazenger.
It was a tie in the ballot for Man of the Match between Will Gascoigne and the Minchella Brothers (don’t know here they parked the ice cream van) – but casting vote gave it to young Luke Minchella.
Squad
No squad recorded.
Match Report
No match report available.
Match Report
Slazengers development team travelled away with just 11 players, two of whom were new to the team. Like previous weeks a great team performance saw great defensive work, determined midfield skill and some good opportunities to score.
Great performances all round including from Chris Gascoigne on the left, right half Ben Stevenson and man of the match newcomer Will Gascoigne.
Match Report
In a very close mid table battle Slazenger were tenacious pinning down the Rotherham side and reducing their opportunities. The midfield work really hard in both defence and attack against a strong adult based opposition.
Harry Buttery got on to the end of a great through ball to get Slazenger their well earned goal while at the other end star keeper Dan Alderson kept out their threats on goal.
Another great win but more importantly another great team performance.
Squad
No squad recorded.
Match Report
No match report available.
Squad
Match Report
When Slazenger Development team took to the pitch this week they were looking forward to a third win against their Yorkshire rivals, Rotherham. However, hockey is never that simple. A very even start to the match saw Tony Walker, Danny Croxall, Dave Smyth and Steve Wood soak up early pressure from Rotherham. Some raiding down the left wing ran Danny into a bit of a lather but Slaz were equal to the challenge. Steve Wood notably hitting the ball with confidence at the sixteen.
In midfield Tom Pitchforth did what he does well tracking back and mopping up loose balls. Geoff Birkett and Harry did struggle to get the ball through the centre but the wings had some success with Elliot and Chris Gascoigne. Peter Gunning fought to get any of the ball, he had a couple of rushed chances that came to nothing. Rotherham on the other hand took one of their chances as far as it was possible and slotted in an elusive goal. Substitutes came in the form of brothers Dan and Tom Atkinson who both showed good potential in spurts.
Harry Buttery in goal was largely unchallenged but when pressed dealt with the ball well.
The second half started brighter another goal for Peter Gunning which took his season’s tally to 20, yet it was the movement from his brother Harry and Elliot that gave him the opportunity to push the ball under the keeper to make that goal. Slaz took this levelling of the score as a boost and pushed higher up the pitch. Although have 75% possession didn’t equal more gaols, even though Peter, Harry and Elliot came close. In the end a draw seemed fair but with lots of positives from possession and pressing the ball.
Squad
FG 20'
Match Report
After a postponment last week Slazenger 5ths were keen to get into there match against Rotherham away at the Aurora stadium. However they certainly didn’t have things their own way. In a very tight first half Slazenger failed to break down a well organised Rotherham defence and had to rely on some good defensive work from Matthew Smith and alert goalkeeping from Harry Buttery.
The 2nd half saw Slazenger move up a gear and a great run down the right and an excellent cross from George Fealy was well finished by Elliot Golding for the first goal. Tom Pitchforth again worked hard in midfield and showed some skilful touches to counteract some very good Rotherham build up play but it was Slazenger who went further in front when Ben Jackson’s penetrative pass once again released George Fealy and after a goalmouth scramble Elliot Goulding maintained his composure to clinically fire the ball home and put Slazenger into a 2-0 lead.
Just when it looked like the game was over a late breakaway and shot from Rotherham was cruelly deflected into Slazenger goal to denie Harry Buttery his ‘Clean Sheet’ but Slazengers comfortably saw out the remaining few minutes to seal victory.
There was also a great debut performance from Chris Gascoigne who impressed with his skill and tenacious play on the left and another sound performance from Danny Croxall at right defence.
Squad
Match Report
Gunning on fire again!!
Slazenger Men’s 5th team were playing at home against Rotherham in their latest fixture in the Yorkshire development league. Fielding a young team the home side had to weather early pressure from the opposition who were strong in defence and had several skillful opponents in midfield.
That said, Danny Croxall and Dave Smyth were resolute in defence and quickly snuffed out and danger. The only time Slazenger keeper Harry Buttery was called into action he was quickly off his line and cleared the ball away with his pads.
A couple of adjustments to the team formation helped even the game out and the Slazenger midfield of Harry Gunning and Tom Pitchforth began to exert pressure of their own. It was from one of these attacks that allowed Peter Gunning to find space at the top of the goalmouth to sweep his shot passed the outstretched Rotherham keeper.
Slazengers mounted several more attacks during the first half in a very even game, but were unable to convert these chances. Rotherham lost one of their players just before the end of the first half when he was accidentally struck in the head and had to leave the field to have his injury attended to.
Second half Slazenger’s probably edged the game in terms of possession and chances created but just couldn’t find the net. Owen Bland had a great chance to deflect the ball into the net but the pass from Geoff Birkett was just a bit too quick for him to react to. A special mention goes to Matthew Chilton who made his debut for the team and worked tirelessly down the left flank.
Final score 1-0.
Match Report
A Cracking Start for the Development Team
The Men’s Development team started the season with a fresh line up and a 4 – 2 win over Rotherham. The back line was led by Harry Buttery, possibly the shortest goal keeper in this league, with Andy Fisher, Mayank Gupta, Danny Croxall and PJ. In midfield a positive start from Harry Gunning, George Fealy Matthew Smith and Elliot Goulding. Up front came Peter Gunning and Darren Buttery.
Last season saw a defeat by a single goal from Rotherham in a low scoring match rounding off a good season for the development team, but this match was a completely different animal. The newly formed Development team hit the ground running with a fast paced start, playing smart triangle balls between the forwards. It saw quick paced attack after quick paced attack. A goal came only five minutes into the game with one Gunning brother feeding another and Peter slotting a pacy ball into the left hand corner of the net beating the outstretched keeper. Rotherham couldn’t hold Slaz at all and George ran a quick ball into the D and scored a fine solo effort. A quick double substitution brought Ryan Denton into defence for Mayank and Tom Pitchforth into midfield for Andy Fisher.
Some tinkering with positions needed to be accommodated as we had a player or two who drifted forward and inward from the wing. Thank heavens for Tom Pitchforth a true utility player able to strongly hold any position on the field. The closing minutes of play saw a good goal from Rotherham as Slaz foolishly tried to clear up the centre of the pitch instead of down the safety of the wings.
The half time talk from team captain Andy looked at the problem that caused the goal but reinforced the quick thinking and determination the team had showed throughout the first half.
George was moved forward whilst Peter took a break with Tom for the first ten minutes of the second half, substitutions were going to be important as the day was hot and the pace was intense. After another goal from Elliot from a well worked short corner routine the play switched to the other end of the field, a well placed strike beat Harry in goal and brought the score to 3-2. Darren tried the unorthodox approach of trying to head a high ball into the goal in their D, thankfully the ball only struck his chest. A strong finish from Slaz in the last fifteen minutes of the game saw an own goal as a panicked Rotherham defence couldn’t stem the tide from the Slazenger forwards and attacking midfield.
The team throughout deserved the win, with a quality back 4 led by PJ and a team who communicated and played for each other from beginning to end.
Man of the Match: Tom Pitchforth
Match Report
Slazengers final game of the season felt like a training match for the first 15 minutes with lots of time on the ball and no real pressure from the opposition. Consequently Slazengers started brightly and created lots of chances without ever looking likely to score. Time and again possession was either squandered in the final quarter of the pitch or the Rotherham keeper managed to save smartly by smothering the ball on the ground.
As time progressed Rotherham slowly increased the tempo and managed to make the match more competitive. Danny Smith and Harry Bullock worked hard up front pressuring the Rotherham defence into making mistakes but couldn’t find the back of the net. It was against the run of play that Rotherham broke on the counter attack and managed to go in front after some smart work in the penalty area. Half-time score was 1-0 to the opposition.
Second half Slazenger started strongly again and really started to apply pressure with wave after wave of attacking hockey with Matthew Stacey putting some excellent crosses into the penalty area without anyone managing to convert these chances into goals. Rotherham occasionally managed the odd attacking move into the opposition half but these were dealt with by Danny Croxall, James Higgins and Matthew Feather.
Slazenger ended the game practically camped in the Rotherham half but were still thwarted in their attempts to find an equaliser. Final score 1-0 to the opposition.
Match Report
After a week off due to the recent cold weather Slazenger 4’s quickly got back into the groove against strong opponents Rotherham 5’s. Despite the opposition fielding several adults Slazenger’s were undeterred and quickly got into their stride with strong midfield performances once again from Tom Pitchforth and Aidan Hopkinson, with Matthew Stacey and Tim Hunter working hard on the flanks. They worked as a unit denying their opponents time on the ball and were tenacious in the tackle.
Despite the poor quality of the pitch Slazenger 4’s tried to play good passing hockey, starting from the back with Danny Croxall and Matthew Feather who were both composed in possession and with Harry Bullock, Danny Smith and Robert Cann rotating the striking options. The away team created several half-decent chances but just couldn’t find a way through the opposition defence and when they did the keeper was up to the task.
That said, both Robert and Harry were unlucky to hit the post during the game, when facing an open goalmouth. Danny Smith was unluckier still when he smartly picked up a fiercely driven shot, swivelled and smacked the ball straight at the keeper.
It was left to winger Tim Hunter to score what proved to be the winner with a well taken shot half way through the second half.
Rotherham pressed for an equaliser but left themselves exposed at the back and were vulnerable to several counter attacks but the score remained 1-0. Slazenger’s next game is away at York.
Match Report
Slazenger’s 4’s endured a tough, gruelling encounter with Rotherham 5’s in their latest development league fixture. Both sides were evenly matched and despite playing some good passing hockey in the first 10 minutes it was the away side who dominated most of the first half.
Slazenger battled well and were resolute in defence without really imposing themselves on the game.
So it was against the run of play that they went into the half-time break 1-0 up. Matthew Stacey received the ball just inside the opposition half and broke past several players before reaching the Rotherham by-line and putting in a telling pass that Peter Gunning managed to convert.
Second half Slazenger bolstered their midfield and managed to stifle a lot of the oppositions attacks, although they remained susceptible to the occasional breakaway attack. It was from one of these attacks that the home side conceded an equaliser.
However, this set back only served to make the home side more determined and Slazenger enjoyed the majority of possession from then on and it was no surprise when Robert Cann coolly deflected, a well drilled hit into the goalmouth by veteran Geoff Birkett, over the top of the goalkeeper into the net. Slazenger continued to press but there was one last twist to the game when the away team managed to snatch a last gasp equaliser right at the end of the game. Final score 2-2.
Slazenger’s next game is away to York.
Squad
No squad recorded.
Match Report
No match report available.
Squad
Match Report
Slazenger’s development team played on Saturday after two weeks away from the field. This was the second, home leg against Rotherham which ended 3-3 in their last encounter. Unfortunately, the second game ended with a draw even after a great performance from a young team, growing in confidence.
The first half started brightly, with a strong surge of activity down the right hand side. Link up play from Robin Brearton, Josh Petty and Issac Fisher split the defence and gave the opposition’s keeper an early test. However, even with continued pressure of an aggressive front line Rotherham’s defensive line held strong.
Several short corners later, and the team had yet to score the decisive opener. A quick move from the right wing, and a powerful cross found veteran striker Ian “Flash” Gordon. It was a simple tap in to secure the opener. However this was disallowed, as it had been decided to limit scoring to junior players only. So it was back to square one for the eager side. A couple of breaks through the Slazenger line tested the mid field, though with the Rowan Tejura and Nathan Crowther holding the line, Slazenger maintained clear sheet through the first half.
Going into the second half, the pressure continued through Slazenger’s strike team, and it paid off with a combination play setting up Robin Brearton for a clear strike on goal; defeating the keeper in a single shot. In the end, this was not enough and while Slazenger had several chances; most notable a shot by Isaac Fisher falling wide of the mark, it was Rotherham who scored next. A brief loss of concentration allowed the equaliser, slipping through the defence and defeating star keeper Ralph Toon.
The score line remained 1-1 until the whistle blew. Slazenger can come away confident with the way the team has improved in the last 3 months, though may be disappointed that the possession could not be converted to a decisive win after the two week’s away. Next week Slazenger face off at home against York who sit at the top of the table.
Team List: John Toon, Ralph Toon (Keeper), Ian Hedges, Nathan Crowther, Isaac Fisher, Rowan Tejura, Robin Brearton, Matthew Feather, Alan Bates, Josh Petty, Tom Pitchforth, Robert Cann, Andrew Fisher (Captain), Ian Gordon,
Match Report
Slazenger's first development league game of the season was away against a confident Rotherham team. However, Slazenger started the strongest and soon went ahead when Rowan Tejura scored from a short corner after the initial effort from James Bennett was saved by the defending team.
Slazenger's were playing good passing hockey and continued to pressure the home side. With Chris Hopkinson and John Toon strong defensively it set up a good platform to attack the opposition with Robin Brearton and Isaac Fisher linking well and they created several opportunities to score. The home side were having to do some last ditch defending to keep the score at 1-0.
Mark Kitchen and Tom Pitchforth made several telling drives into the opposition goal mouth and added to their tally when Andrew Fisher scored two goals in quick succession. Slazenger were deservedly 3-0 up at half-time.
The game was a classic example of a game of two halves because in the second half Slazenger stopped playing the passing game that had being so successful in the first half and allowed Rotherham back into the game. The opposition started controlling the midfield against a tiring side who had worked hard but unfortunately didn't have any substitutes and were further hindered with an injury to Aidan Hopkinson forcing him off the pitch to recover and so were down to 10 men for a while.
Goalkeeper Ralph Toon made several telling saves but the opposition pulled back the 3-0 goal deficit to make the score level at 3-3. Once the scores were level Slazenger raised their game again and created numerous chances to win the game but could just not convert any of these efforts.
Next week's game is away at York 3.00 pm pushback.
